Some take-aways from a recent weekend retreat/workshop on Mysticism:

We are all called to be Mystics in the world today. Actually many of you already are and don’t recognize it. Mystics come from all belief systems, all stages of life, and all parts of the world. We know many of them because they have left us writings. From some of them we can find the components for a Mystical life, identified in the workshop as Prayer, Self-Knowledge, Participation in the World, and Union with God.

It begins with PRAYER. Prayer is the beginning and continuing focus in our desire to draw closer to God. Praying from the heart and not just the head is a call out to God, so prayer, whether in quiet or as you move through your day, is a beacon to God. Words are not necessary. Sometimes I just bow my head and think, “Father.” It’s a huge prayer for me. Contemplation, Meditation, or Centering Prayer is important for a mystical life, but whenever your focus turns to God, it is prayer.

Mystics SEE GOD IN ALL—in PEOPLE, EVENTS, and all of CREATION. When we recognize God in everyone and everything, those things begin to look wondrous, amazing, and even miraculous. This changes not only what we look at, but it moves our hearts to a new place. Nature is a powerful teacher of this one. And I love the quote, “When you change the way you look at a thing, the thing you look at changes.” (Wayne Dyer)

St Teresa of Avila, a Mystic and Doctor of the Catholic Church, says if you would know God, know yourself. Mystics are real people who learn to trust their OWN experiences of God. Yusef used to tell me that. The way we know God and share God with the world is individual to each of us. Be yourself. Each mystic I have studied was different. That’s the way God works through us.

Mystics don’t isolate in a cave. They live in the world, doing what they are called to do with the gifts they have been given. Many were/are activists in their own way—never doubting their call from God to care for others (or the environment). All the events in our lives are invitations to share the mystic’s love. The mystic gives him/herself away, and asks, “How can I BE LOVE in my world?” And they aren’t afraid to speak up. They pray, then act from God’s inner guidance.

Union with God is merging our hearts and minds with the heart and mind of God. This is the “ultimate” for a mystic, sometimes attained while on the earth.

There is much much more, but perhaps this brief introduction and overview causes something inside you to stir. It is God. It is my calling to invite you to move from your head — the worries, concerns, and daily tasks in your life—to your Heart where you will meet your divine Self, and from that place you will bless the world.